NB Power Holding Corporation

NB Power's physical workplace is rated as above-average. While many employees work at facilities across the province and in the field, the company's downtown head office location provides beautiful views of the Saint John River, nearby walking trails, shopping, restaurants, great summer festivals, and a nearby fitness facility with discounted membership rates for employees. The downtown location also features easy access to public transit. Inside, the head office features an employee lounge (with comfortable seating, music, internet access, book-sharing service and television; nap room; religious observance room; concierge services available; onsite cafeteria (with healthy and special diet menu options and free healthy snacks while you work); secure bicycle parking; discounted memberships at nearby fitness facility.

NB Power's work atmosphere is rated as very good. Employees at NB Power enjoy business casual dress; casual dress daily; can listen to music while working; employee sports teams; organized social events. At locations and departments across the company, employees enjoy a variety of fun social events, including summer barbeques, team building events and Christmas parties. The company communicates company news and encourages employee feedback through a company newsletter; corporate intranet site; email suggestion box.

NB Power's financial benefits are rated as above-average. To keep salaries competitive the company participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. In addition to competitive compensation, the company also provides defined benefit pension with employer contributions (up to 8.53% of salary); matching RSP contributions; life & disability insurance; retirement planning assistance; (The matching RSP plan is available for seasonal unionized employees that are not eligible for the defined benefit pension plan).

NB Power's health and family benefits are rated as above-average. The company's health benefits plan is self-insured by the company and managed by Medavie Blue Cross. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. The health plan is a flexible plan with adjustable premiums and coverage levels. Employees who work 18 hours per week receive coverage. There is no waiting period before coverage begins. Employees receive full family coverage on the health benefits plan. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; eyecare ($200 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance. Fitness club subsidy. NB Power's family-friendly benefits include; fertility treatments; maternity top-up payments (to 93% of salary for 15 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 93% of salary for 10 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 93% of salary for 10 weeks); health benefits during maternity and parental leave; extended unpaid parental leave option (beyond the first year); onsite daycare centre; with 41 spaces; 12 childcare workers; and a 12 month waiting list for available spaces; pre-arranged emergency short-term daycare. Additional family-friendly benefits include; compassionate top-up payment (to 93% of salary for 6 weeks) while caring for a family member; flexible working hours; telecommuting; shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); reduced summer hours program; compressed work week; phased-in retirement work options.

NB Power's vacation and personal time-off are rated as very good. New employees receive 3 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 10 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 6 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can schedule 2 personal days off each year, as needed. Employees receive 75 paid sick days every year. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence. NB Power provides a 2-month self-funded leave program. Employees have used the program to extend vacation time, take summers off, or visit friends and relatives who live overseas. The company also operates an unpaid educational and entrepreneurial leave program. Employees can take up to 2 year leaves of absence, during which time the employee's job position is held until their return.

NB Power's employee engagement program is rated as very good. Employees receive individual performance reviews every 12 months. Managers receive training in how to conduct effective performance reviews. Exit interview provided for departing employees; NB Power hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 12 months).

NB Power's training and skills development program is rated as exceptional. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (Employers cover up to 100% of tuition). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (Employers cover up to 100% of non-related tuition). The company encourages employees' career development through subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades programs; in-house training programs; online training programs; online employee skills inventory; formal mentoring program.

NB Power's community involvement program is rated as very good. NB Power Holding participates in a variety of local charitable initiatives. Every year, NB Power and its employees support a number of initiatives across the province, including the United Way, Junior Achievers, Christmas Angels, Relay for Life, Festival of Lights, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Canadian Cancer Society and Royal Canadian Legion, to name a few.